The International Peace Institute (IPI) is an independent, international not-for-profit think tank dedicated to managing risk and building resilience to promote peace, security, and sustainable development. To achieve its purpose, IPI employs a mix of policy research, strategic analysis, publishing, and convening. With staff from more than twenty countries and a broad range of academic fields, IPI has offices facing United Nations headquarters in New York and offices in Vienna and Manama.

UN Transitions: Mission Drawdown or Withdrawal

The meeting note summarizes a high-level discussion on the drawdown and withdrawal of peacekeeping and special political missions. It addresses the political dimensions of these transitions from the perspective of member states and examines the UN’s approach to planning and managing these transition phases.

Emphasizing national ownership, the note suggests that a transition should not be seen as an event, but as a gradual reconfiguration process, during which the existing UN presence adapts to larger transition processes of the host country. To achieve this goal, it recommends improved communication and a clearer division of labor among UN actors, international partners, and the host government. It further highlights the need for better management of expectations on all sides.

The meeting note was drafted by staff at IPI and the Division for Policy, Evaluation and Training at DPKO/DFS.

Despite challenges, regional courts could become increasingly important sites for victims of international crimes if provided better resourcing, clearer access for victims, and support from governments.

About the International Peace Institute

The International Peace Institute is an independent, international not-for-profit think tank with a staff representing more than 20 nationalities, located in New York across from United Nations headquarters.
IPI is dedicated to promoting the prevention and resolution of conflicts between and within states by strengthening international peace and security institutions.
To achieve its purpose, IPI employs a mix of policy research, convening, publishing and outreach.